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32 Best Aquarium Pets That Aren't Fish
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Filled with live plants, substrates, and glimmering schools of fish, a perfectly curated aquarium is an awe-inspiring art form. But the best aquarium pets that aren't fish prove that our finned friends aren't the only additions that can thrive in a tank.
From African Dwarf frogs and Red-clawed Crabs to Male Painted Turtles and Fire-bellied Toads. There's a whole host of animals out there to get up close and personal with behind a glass screen.
Maybe you've invested in one of the best small fish tanks and you're looking for some more water-loving pals to add to your tiny tribe. Or perhaps you're looking for aquarium additions you can keep in a one-species-only tank? Either way, we've done all the research and found a number of semi and fully aquatic animals you'll want to add to your tank — and there's not a fin in sight!
32 best aquarium pets that aren't fish 1. Freshwater SnailFreshwater Snail
Freshwater Snails are a great addition to most aquatic ecosystems. That's because these algae-loving, waste-clearing 'janitors' glide from side to side, clearing unwanted debris from your tank as they go.
They'll devour extra fish food, hoover up dead organisms, and clear away decaying plants. Living for up to two to three years, freshwater snails are compatible with most colorful tropical fish and invertebrates.
2. Red-Clawed CrabsRed-Clawed Crabs
Small, colorful, and a lover of habitats with sandy substrates, Red-clawed Crabs are some of the best aquarium pets that aren't fish.
Also known as Mangrove Crabs or Red Crabs, these clawed cleaners will fertilize the soil with their droppings, consume plants, and clear up leaf litter. So not only are they fascinating to watch, but they'll earn their keep!
Just know that Red-clawed Crabs aren't fully aquatic. So they'll need an area where they can climb out of water, along with plenty of sloping rocks.
3. Palaemon PaludosusPalaemon Paludosus
Also referred to as the Ghost Shrimp, these translucent invertebrates thrive in freshwater aquariums and are a great addition to your under-the-water world for more reasons than one.
For starters, they'll hoover up food left by fish with no additional feeding required. And if there's no other alternative, they'll also eat algae. Plus, Ghost Shrimp aren't too picky about pH levels or alkalinity. Meaning? These little beauties are easy to keep alive.
4. Painted TurtlesPainted Turtles
How cute are these little shell-clad sensations? If you're after something other than a finned friend for your aquarium, Painted Turtles could be the captivating creature you've been searching for.
Belonging to the group of reptiles known as Chelonians (also called Testudines), these turtles need some TLC when it comes to making them feel at home. Along with a basking spot out of the water, to watch their water-based world go by, they'll need UVB lighting to help them survive and water temperatures should be maintained at 75-80F. Interested in finding out more about what do pet turtles eat? Be sure to check out an expert-approved pet turtle care guide.
5. African Dwarf frogsAfrican Dwarf frogs
Known for being one of the best small pets for compact homes, African Dwarf Frogs make for a great pet that isn't a cat, dog, or fish.
Mixing just as well with similar-sized fish as they do with their own species, these fully aquatic additions can reach up to 6.4 cm in size and live for five to seven years on average. These tiny jumpers are social creatures, so do best in groups of two or more.
6. Freshwater CrayfishFreshwater Crayfish
Despite having 'fish' in their name, Freshwater Crayfish are a type of crustacean, related to lobsters, crabs, and shrimp.
Especially active at night, these midnight foragers will live in harmony with common Goldfish, Neon Tetras, Swordtails, and Mollies. Food-wise, they'll eat water weeds, roots, and leaves and they can live for up to four years.
7. Red-eared Slider TurtleRed-eared Slider Turtle
Just like Painted Turtles, Red-eared Slider Turtles are another type of semi-aquatic reptile that is worth opening your home (and heart) for.
These strong swimmers are the most popular pet turtles in the US and like their hard-shelled counterparts, they'll need a basking spot in their aquarium so they can dry off and enjoy life with their four feet firmly on the ground. Another amazing turtle fact? When cared for properly, Red-eared Sliders can live for more than 30 years.
8. Fire-Bellied ToadFire-Bellied Toad
These stand-out jumpers do best in a semi-aquatic environment. This means one-half of the tank should be filled with water, deep enough for these beautifully colored amphibians to swim in. The other half should be shallow enough so they can climb out and dry off.
9. Sea MonkeySea Monkey
Another great small pet, Sea Monkeys, or Brine Shrimp, grows to half an inch to 3/4 of an inch in length and these cute little creations can thrive in aquariums for up to five years. It's true, these small swimmers are low-maintenance pets to keep. But as is the case with any aquatic animal, you'll need to keep the water clean and well-oxygenated.
10. Chinese Fire-Bellied newtChinese Fire-Bellied newt
Native to Japan and China, as their name suggests, Chinese Fire-Bellied Newts, have a bright red or orange belly with a dark upper body and they require just a small enclosure to double up as their natural semi-aquatic habitat. These little beauties can make good pets, especially for beginners because they're hardy, active and relatively easy to care for.
11. OctopusOctopus
If you have enough space, time and TLC to give, then an Octopus could be the marvelous marine creature your aquarium has been missing. However, these sea animals, with their rounded bodies and big, beautiful eyes aren't the easiest to look after.
To really care for these fascinating eight-legged marine mollusks, you'll need to ensure they've got enough space to swim, lots of live rock, a bed of sand, good quality water and live food.
12. Vampire CrabsVampire Crabs
Captivating to look at, semi-terrestrial Vampire Crabs appreciate access to land and water. Whether it's rocks or gravel you provide or sand and pebbles, these omnivores will spend sitting, hiding under rocks, or emerging to eat when the light fades.
Just be aware: to prevent fights from occurring, experts say Vampire Crabs should be kept in species-only tanks.
13. Cherry ShrimpCherry shrimp
A popular choice for beginner aquarists, Cherry Shrimp are easy to breed, will devour algae (so this means less cleaning for you) and they'll tolerate a huge range of water parameters.
These peaceful, sociable, and plant-loving crustaceans are best kept with small fish, as larger aquarium additions will consider them food.
14. Assassin SnailsAssassin Snails
More formally referred to as Clea Helena, Assassin Snails go by their 'hit-snail' status because of their ability to help control pest snails (like pond snails) without the use of chemicals.
Relatively low maintenance, these under-the-water gastropod mollusks will work harder than you do, eating uneaten food and other debris.
15. Bamboo ShrimpBamboo Shrimp
Bamboo Shrimp aren't the easiest of shrimps to breed, so if space is tight in your aquarium, these crustaceans are well worth considering.
Bamboo Shrimp need stable water conditions, and they do best in well-established aquariums, like one of the best tropical fish tanks, that have lots of plants and places to hide.
16. Mystery SnailsMystery Snails
More informally known as an Apple Snail, or Gold Inca Snails, these healthy diners will feed on ordinary fish food and waste, making these algae eaters a popular choice in many aquariums.
These peaceful tank pals can live for up to four years and are known (and loved) for their bright-colored golden-clad shells.
17. Hermit CrabsHermit Crabs
Living up to the grand old age of 15, Hermit Crabs will help you stay on top of growing algae levels in your tank.
While their constant shuffling and crawling will help debris and dirt get sucked up into your filtration system. Despite their name, Hermit Crabs are social creatures and in the wild, they live in colonies of 100 or more.
18. Pom-Pom CrabPom-Pom Crab
Along with sandy substrates, plants and a warm water temperature, these aquatic animals are fully-fledged members of the clean-up crew.
They love a clean and stable environment and will do their utmost to keep their tank tidy. Whether it's plant debris, algae or frozen food, these little shufflers will be happy.
19. Pistol ShrimpPistol Shrimp
Requiring a tank with at least 10 gallons of water, Pistol Shrimp like to live in clusters for protection. These chatty crustaceans take the crown when it comes to being one of the loudest animals in the ocean.
Often called Snapping Shrimp, they're famed for their ability to stun prey with air bubbles and to generate sounds of up to 218 decibels — which is louder than a gunshot. They can also regrow limbs. So, if you ask us, they'll make for an interesting addition to at-home aquariums.
20. Water SnakesWater Snakes
Often overlooked, non-venomous Water Snakes can be a fascinating pet for at-home aquariums due to the captivating behaviors they exhibit. Feeding on frogs, seeking out salamanders, and munching on Minnows, Water Snakes are more commonly found in the wild in Texas, Florida Ontario, and Quebec in Canada.
Ensure this reptile has the right temperature, humidity, and lighting, along with a large enough enclosure to explore, hide, and exercise, and they can live for 10 years or more.
21. Fiddler CrabsFiddler Crabs
Fiddler Crabs are another semi-aquatic crustacean to add to your tank. To help mimic their natural habitat, you'll need to ensure there is some dry land, preferably sand, and one of the best filters and heaters to keep the water clean and at a stable temperature between 74 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
22. Serpent StarfishSerpent Starfish
Adding interest to any at-home saltwater aquarium, the Serpent Starfish will need plenty of nooks and crannies so they can hide during the day and come out to play at night. These hardy creatures are speedy scavengers and love a diet of decaying matter.
23. Harlequin ShrimpHarlequin Shrimp
Water quality and a decent amount of hiding spots are very important when it comes to looking after Harlequin Shrimps. Living up to seven years, these beautifully decorated shellfish are mild-tempered and shy. Usually found in pairs, these night owls prefer to hide during the day and feed at night.
24. Ramshorn SnailsRamshorn Snails
If you're after another algae eater, look no further than a Ramshorn Snail. These aquatic animals are around one inch in diameter so will thrive in any size aquarium, big or small. But here's a head's up: these underwater creatures can multiply readily, laying around a dozen eggs at a time.
25. ClamsClams
Falling into the shellfish category, clams aren't there just to be eaten! They can be very beneficial to aquariums because some species can live for more than 30 years and they can help to clear your tank, through the process of natural filtration.
26. Stinkpot Musk TurtlesStinkpot Musk Turtles
If you couldn't tell already, we're big fans of turtles. These hard-shelled beauties are relatively small, as they grow no bigger than five inches, meaning they're easy to keep compared to their larger counterparts. Another reason for their popularity is the fact Common Musk Turtles can thrive in captivity for up to 50 years.
27. CoralCoral
Despite what you might have thought, Coral is considered to be a live animal — yes, really! Adding coral to your aquarium can help beautify your space along with providing shelter for fish and maintaining water quality.
28. Amano ShrimpAmano Shrimp
Now you might be thinking the Amano Shrimp looks very similar to a Ghost Shrimp. And on the surface, they do have many similarities. But once you dig a bit deeper, there are also a handful of differences.
For starters, the Amano Shrimp isn't completely transparent. Secondly, Amano Shrimp are larger in size, reaching up to two inches long. Plus, an Amano Shrimp can change color based on the food they eat.
29. Bladder Snailbest aquarium pets that aren't fish
Peaceful and often used as scavengers, the humble Bladder Snail (nicknamed after its air-filled bubble which it fills up with air for long underwater dives) will prosper if they're provided with adequate filtration and enough space so they can glide to their heart's content.
30. Malaysian trumpet snailsMalaysian trumpet snails
Staying under two inches, if well looked after, a Malaysian Trumpet Snail can flourish in freshwater tanks for up to 20 years! Keep them in tanks with non-aggressive tank mates and these harmless critters will go about their day peacefully.
31. Nerite SnailsNerite Snails
Commonly called the Zebra Nerite or the Spotted Nerite, this freshwater snail joins our list for its super algae-eating qualities and love for decaying matter.
Living for up to two years, these spiral-shaped snails, which sometimes have black spots, will feel right at home in hard water, with a pH level between 6.5 and 8.5 and a temperature between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
32. AxolotlAxolotl
At first glance, you might be wondering: what is an Axolotl and do they make good pets? And it's a good question. These amphibians are illegal to own in some US states, including California, Maine, New Jersey, and Washington D.C, for one main reason: the threat they pose to the already struggling native salamander species.
But that said, these generally calm creatures are easy to care for. Provide them with the right tank mates, temperature, and water conditions and they can have a 15-year lifespan.
Keen to expand your knowledge about reptiles? Discover the best toys for pet lizards the best Bearded Dragon care tips.
Amazon's New Fire Tablets Have AI Inside
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Image: AmazonAmazon just announced a new Fire HD 8 tablet, and like many new gadgets in 2024, generative AI-powered tools are among the big new features. But you won't necessarily need to buy the new Fire HD 8 to try them; Amazon says they're coming to Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets, too.
The new AI tools are things you've probably seen before. There's a writing assist feature, which will help you polish up your writing and is built into the device's keyboard. You'll be able to get webpage summaries when using Amazon's Silk browser. And you'll be able to create a wallpaper from a prompt. Amazon says the tools will start rolling out to "all compatible Fire tablets later this month."
Writing Assist and Wallpaper Creator will come to the Fire Max 11 (2023), Fire HD 10 (2023), and Fire HD 8 (2022 and 2024), according to Amazon spokesperson Jackie Burke. Webpage Summaries will come to the Fire Max 11 (2023), Fire HD 10 (2019, 2021, 2023), and Fire HD 8 (2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024).
Amazon is also rumored to be launching an upgraded Alexa that you might have to pay for, but that wasn't included as part of this announcement.
If you're interested in the new Fire HD 8, it has some improved specs that seem to have trickled down from 2022's Fire 8 HD Plus, including 3GB of RAM (up from 2GB — the boost might help with the new AI features) and a 5MP back camera (up from 2MP). Like with the previous Fire 8 HD, Amazon is also promising up to 13 hours of battery life and is offering 32GB or 64GB of storage (with the option to expand that with a microSD card).
You can buy the new Fire 8 HD right now in black, emerald, and hibiscus. The tablets technically have a starting price of $99.99, but they're already on sale ahead of Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, meaning you can get the base model for nearly half off at $54.99.
Amazon might also launch updated Kindle e-readers soon, as a Spanish retailer recently listed a new entry-level model with a brighter screen.
Update, October 2nd: Added information about which Amazon tablets will get certain AI features.
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This Month In Fire History - October 2024
October is Fire Prevention Month, highlighted, of course, by Fire Prevention Week, which this year is Oct. 6-12. As you probably know, Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of Oct. 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on Oct. 8, 1871. But, did you know that an even bigger, more deadly fire broke out on the exact same day? Read about the Peshtigo Fire and other major October incidents below.
Oct. 8-9, 1871, Chicago—Great Chicago Fire
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 burned through approximately 3.3 square miles, destroying more than 17,000 buildings and leaving more than 100,000 people homeless. Approximately 300 people died. The damage was estimated at $222 million (equivalent to about $5.7 billion in 2024).
Conditions were ripe in early October for a devasting conflagration. An extremely dry summer that recorded just one inch of rain combined with strong winds from the southwest. Fires had been popping up all summer. But Chicago was not prepared for what happened on Oct. 8.
In a story on Firehouse.Com about the Chicago History Museum's exhibit marking the 150th anniversary of the fire, Chicago Tribune reporter Talia Soglin wrote, "In 1871, Chicago was a city made of wood. Houses were built of wood; streets were paved with it. Water still ran through wooden pipes in parts of the city because the growing metropolis had not yet swapped them for iron."
While the exact cause remains unknown, the fire is believed to have started in or near a barn on DeKoven Street (did anyone say Mrs. O'Leary's cow?). The fire quickly spread north and east from its origin, jumping the Chicago River twice.
A meteorological phenomenon known as fire whirls, or "fire devils," created tornado-like effects that sent embers high into the air and across long distances, eventually destroying the city's waterworks, leaving firefighters without a water supply.
The fire finally burned out late on Oct. 9, aided by rainfall.
As a result of the devastation, new building codes were implemented, requiring the use of fireproof materials like brick, stone, and limestone. The city experienced a "Great Rebuilding," which led to innovations in architecture and the construction of the first skyscrapers. Some of the lower-income residents were unable to afford to rebuild, which led to shifts in the city's demographics.
Oct. 8, 1871, Peshtigo, WI—Peshtigo Fire
On the same day as the Great Chicago Fire, just 253 miles to the north, a devastating wildfire broke out in Peshtigo, WI. The Peshtigo Fire is considered the deadliest wildfire in recorded history, with estimated deaths between 1,500 and 2,500 people. Roughly 1.2 to 1.5 million acres of land burned, destroying 16 communities and 2 million trees, saplings and animals. Estimated property damage of $5 million (equivalent to about $127 million in 2024 dollars) was reported.
The fire burned much of the southern half of the Door Peninsula and adjacent parts of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but the largest affected community was Peshtigo, which had about 1,700 residents at the time.
As with the Great Chicago Fire, some of the same factors contributed to the catastrophic nature of the fire—namely prolonged drought conditions and unusually high winds.
But, unlike the big city, several other factors came into play, namely widespread land-clearing practices for logging and agriculture and small embers from slash and burn agriculture that got caught in strong drafts.
The timber industry and farming practices contributed significantly to the fire risk. Lumberjacks would clear areas and set fire to remaining debris or leave piles of woody fuel to dry and farmers set fires to clear fields and burn stump.
These factors collectively created a "tinderbox" situation, where small fires, coupled with unusually dry weather and strong winds, led to the formation of a devastating firestorm with temperatures reaching at least 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and winds of 110 miles per hour or stronger.
The aftermath of the fire saw new less wasteful logging practices, moving away from the destructive slash-and-burn methods that contributed to the disaster.
The Peshtigo disaster also prompted the federal government to adopt new forest management programs, including the establishment of federal forestry programs and the creation of the Division of Forestry. By 1881, Congress expanded the office of Special Agent in the Department of Agriculture into the Division of Forestry, which later became the U.S. Forest Service.
Oct. 17, 1966, New York City—Wonder Drug Store Collapse
At 9:36 p.M. On Oct. 17, 1966, a fire was reported at the American Art Galleries, a four-story brownstone located at 7 East 22nd St. In the Flatiron District of New York City. The fire originated in the cellar of the art gallery, which contained highly flammable materials such as lacquer, paint, and finished wood frames.
Firefighters were unable to enter through the 22nd Street side due to intense smoke and heat, so they attempted to approach the fire through the Wonder Drug Store on 23rd Street, which shared a common cellar with the art gallery. At approximately 10:39 p.M., a large section of the drugstore's floor suddenly collapsed, killing 12 members of the FDNY. It was the deadliest day in FDNY history until the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
The collapse was due to many factors. Several years earlier, a load-bearing party wall that formed the border between the two buildings had been removed without proper approval from the building department. This modification severely weakened the overall structural support of the buildings. The removal of the wall created a shared cellar between the two buildings, which allowed the fire to spread more easily and intensify without the firefighters' knowledge. The drugstore's floor construction (wooden beams covered by concrete and terrazzo) prevented firefighters from detecting the extreme heat below.
When the 15-by-35-foot section of the floor gave way, 10 FDNY firefighters fell through the floor into the burning cellar. Two additional firefighters on the first floor were killed in a flashover. Engine 18 was particularly devastated, losing all but two of its members in the tragedy.
The fire reached five alarms and took 14 hours to extinguish and recover the bodies of the fallen firefighters.
On Oct. 21, a massive funeral procession took place, with 10,000 firefighters lining Fifth Avenue as 10 firetrucks carried the coffins to separate services.
We remember the fallen:
Deputy Chief Thomas A Reilly, Division 3Battalion Chief Walter J Higgins, Battalion 7Lt. John J Finley, Ladder 7Lt. Joseph Priore, Engine 18Firefighter John G Berry, Ladder 7Firefighter James V Galanaugh, Engine 18Firefighter Rudolph F Kaminsky, Ladder 7Firefighter Joseph Kelly, Engine 18Firefighter Carl Lee, Ladder 7Firefighter William F McCarron, Division 3Firefighter Daniel L Rey, Engine 18Firefighter Bernard A Tepper, Engine 18
Oct. 19, 1991, Oakland/Berkeley, CA—The Oakland Firestorm
What started out as a small grass fire on private property in the Oakland hills on Oct. 19, 1991, turned into the largest wildland-urban interface fire in the Bay Area's history just one day later.
Initially, firefighters extinguished the small blaze, but smoldering embers reignited the next morning. Fanned by strong easterly winds, the fire quickly grew out of control and became a raging inferno. The fire consumed 2.5 square miles of mostly residential neighborhoods, killing 25 people (including Oakland Battalion Chief James Riley and Oakland police officer John Grubensky) and injuring 150 more. Roughly 3,500 homes and apartments were destroyed and 10,000 people were forced to evacuate. The fire caused an estimated $1.7 billion in damages.
More than 1,500 firefighters and 450 engines from all over Northern California took part in the firefighting efforts.
In a story that appeared on Firehouse.Com, Deputy Chief James Williams, who had been with the Oakland Fire Department for just a year at the time, said "This was unlike any fire we'd ever seen before. We had a couple of places where some of our people who are now retired had to jump into pools for safe refuge, because the fire was blowing up over their heads."
On the 25th anniversary of the fire, Firehouse.Com shared a video clip from a location station.
Oct. 29, 2012, Eastern Seaboard—Superstorm Sandy
In late October 2012, a Category 3 hurricane formed off of the Atlantic seaboard. After moving through the Caribbean and intensifying, it transitioned into a post-tropical cyclone before hitting the coast. It caused massive damage up and down the East Coast of the United States, making landfall near Brigantine, NJ, around 7:30 p.M. On Oct. 29. The timing of its landfall coincided with high tide, exacerbating the storm surge and resulting in significant flooding and damage across affected areas, particularly in New York and New Jersey.
More than 100 people were killed, including 43 fatalities in New York City, where 6,500 patients had to be evacuated from hospitals and nursing homes; 90,000 buildings were in the inundation zone; 2 million New Yorkers were without power; and numerous major transit hubs flooded.
In his editor's note for the January 2013 issue of Firehouse magazine, Harvey Eisner, as he so often did, encapsulated the event.
"A 500-mile-wide Hurricane named Sandy caused death and destruction from the Northeast to the Great Lakes at the end of October and beginning of November 2012. One of the worst storms to hit the area in three decades, it caused the worst flooding in some area in nearly 200 years.
"Emergency resources were stretched to the breaking point. Calls for fires and people trapped by rising water had to be written down and dispatched upon availability of apparatus finishing other emergency calls. Many acts of heroism by first responders may never be documented as thousands of people needing assistance were removed by first responders who went above and beyond the call of duty.
"Not only did they respond to pleas for help, but many first responders lost their homes, or they received extensive damage. These responders had no time to worry about their own families, but did what they had to do to get the job done during the storm. Here's just one example: in one Ocean County, NJ, fire department, 37 of its 41 members lost their homes. In the same county, 40 of 140 fire stations apparently were destroyed or heavily damaged."
In his "FDNY: A Reflection on the Past 20 Years" article for Firehouse, then-FDNY Chief of Department Thomas Richardson detailed the FDNY's response to the disaster.
In 2023, Marty Ingram provided lessons learned during Superstorm Sandy, including the intricacies of weather alerts, operating apparatus in deep water and training in inclement weather.
Other Major Incidents This Month in Fire History
Oct. 12, 1918, Cloquet, MN—Forest fire kills 559
Oct. 15, 1984, Washington, D.C.—U.S. Postal Service headquarters fire causes $100 million in damage and injures at least 25 firefighters
Oct. 22, 1913, Dawson, NM—Coal mine explosion, 263 died
Oct. 23, 1989, Pasadena, TX—Phillips Petroleum plant fire kills 23
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